Maria Vera
Maria Vera
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2017
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, New York Institute of Technology
- Member: Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society of Leaders, the AIAS, and the New York chapter of the Freedom by Design program
- AIA Associate
Professional Background: She was introduced to the architecture field at a very young age, having grown up in Colombia where her father is an architect. Her growing interest and passion for architecture led her to begin learning computer drafting in high school. She is highly proficient in drafting using AutoCad and Revit software, in addition to being Aufgang’s internal BIM Lead.
Position: At Aufgang, Maria works on new construction for residential and mixed use buildings and loves to see her clients’ vision come to fruition. In her role as Assistant Project Manager, Maria focuses her efforts on projects in the schematic design phase and helps to keep them on track up to construction.
Personal Life: Some of Maria’s hobbies are tennis, cycling, 5ks and golf. She has participated in golf events to represent Aufgang.
Jodi Tyler
Jodi Tyler
Executive Administrator
Year Joined: 2017
Education and Certifications:
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management Mercy College
Professional Background: Jodi brings over 20 years of administrative experience to the firm, primarily in the engineering field.
Position: She is responsible for processing submittals, organizing shop drawings, maintaining calendars, assisting with DOB and HPD applications and notarizing essential paperwork.
Personal Life: Jodi is an avid baker as well as a novice gardener. She also volunteers with the veterans living at Rockland’s Homes for Heroes in Orangeburg, NY.
Alejandro Rojas
Alejandro Rojas
Job Captain
Architecture
Year Joined: 2005
Education and Certifications:
- Bergen County Community College, 2000
Professional Background: He began his career in construction, spending years working as a skilled welder. He then became drawn to design, and started combining his experience in the field with his knowledge of computer software to design and create Point of Purchase Display units for major retail companies.
Position: Since joining Aufgang in 2005, Alex has been using his talent and years of experience as an architectural draftsman and is responsible for developing construction documents and coordination with consultant documents on many small and large residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.
Personal Life: In his spare time he plays drums for the band “Twisting Faith,” which he co-founded, enjoys horseback riding and is an avid certified wreck diver.
Jeevan Sampangi
Jeevan Sampangi
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2015
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor of Architecture from Bangalore University in India
- Registered Architect with Council of Architecture, New Delhi
Professional Background: He brings 20 years of experience to his work with expertise in the design of residential, commercial, retail and mixed–use projects. He joined Aufgang in 2015 to expand his expertise into multi-family housing after working in Singapore and later in Chicago, New York, and New Jersey.
Position: Jeevan believes that Architecture plays an integral role in shaping the way we live, work, and socialize, and he strives to bring meaningful design solutions through strong technical detailing. He is a highly skilled technical Architect who has led several projects, overseeing design work, construction documentation, permitting and construction administration.
Personal Life: Besides his passion for Architecture, Jeevan is an avid traveler and believes travel makes you a more well-rounded human being.
Edwin Vazquez
Edwin Vazquez, AIA
Director
Rehabilitation and Preservation
Year Joined: 2004
Education and Certifications:
- New York Institute of Technology, 1985
- Licensed architect in the state of New York
Professional Background: He was born and raised on the island of Puerto Rico, but moved to the United States and has been a native New Yorker since 1982. After graduating with high honors from the Colegio Marista in 1979, Edwin went on to attend undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico, before coming to the U.S. to enroll in the New York Institute of Technology to study architecture. Edwin brings over 30 years of prior experience to our team at Aufgang, previously working in corporate interior design and construction service firms, leading tenant build-out projects, facilitating real estate management and leasing services with supportive documentation, and various moderate tenant-in-place rehabilitation projects all over the states of New York and New Jersey.
Position: At Aufgang, Edwin serves as our Director of Preservation and is responsible for the coordination and management of residential rehabilitation projects, moderating tenant-in-place rehabilitation projects, facilitating the design, coordination, and implementation of various adaptive reuse projects, and is currently leading numerous renovations throughout all five boroughs and upstate New York.
Personal Life: Edwin is currently certified as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician and holds a certificate with the American Heart Association as an accredited CPR and First Aid Instructor. He has also been an active member of the Beekman Fire Department and Beekman Volunteer Rescue Squad since 1987.
Himanshu Tailor
Himanshu Tailor
Technical Director
Rehabilitation and Preservation
Year Joined: 2021
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor of Architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology 2010
- AIA Associate
Professional Background: Himanshu has experience in designing high end luxury residential projects such as 15 Hudson Yards. In addition, he has been technical lead for high end retailers and managed a prototype for several nationwide banking cafes. Himanshu has grown up doing DIY work through his younger days. In 2010, coming out of college in a recession, Himanshu worked in masonry, framing construction and freelance work to gain experience. He also has 10+ years of Revit experience and is driven by the need to provide everyday problems with simple and effective solutions.
Position: At Aufgang, Himanshu is the Technical Director of Preservation and is responsible for coordination and management of rehab projects, facilitating designs, coordination of deliverables and site visits.
Personal Life: Himanshu is a proud dad & family man, an avid food and music lover. He loves to be outdoors working with his hands.
Doris Jean Masear
Doris Jean Masear, AIA
Associate Principal
Architecture
Year Joined: 2000
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the City College of the City University of New York 1986.
- Studied: Universidad Albert Einstein, San Salvador, El Salvador, and the New York Institute of Technology
- Licensed architect in the state of New York
Professional Background: She is fluent in Spanish and English, and has been practicing Architecture since 1984. Before joining Aufgang, Doris was staff Architect at Alan Lapidus Architect PC; responsible for design, development, construction management of hotel projects in New York, Florida, Atlantic City, Puerto Rico, and other locations. She brought over 16 years of project design and development experience when she joined our firm in 2000.
Position: At Aufgang she is involved in the design, development, and management of residential and commercial projects in New York City and throughout New York State.
Personal Life: Doris enjoys hiking, kayaking, music and art.
Adrian Menichelli
Adrian Menichelli
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2004
Education and Certifications:
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Professional Background: Adrian worked 14 years for an architectural firm in Buenos Aires and joined Aufgang in 2004.
Position: He enjoys collaborating with a team of professionals from the creative phases through the construction of new projects. Contemplating the entire process—concept, function, design, and construction—is a form of poetry to Adrian that he appreciates and enjoys.
Personal Life: Adrian’s work is closely linked to his love for art. “Architecture gave me the background to see art from a critical point of view, understanding the foundation and the needs of the artist. I feel that I have had this need since a long time ago. Working on my art, I found a new set of questions that I was able to focus on and provide some responses that may be useful for other people too.”
Mark Pope
Mark Pope
Job Captain
Architecture
Year Joined: 2019
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor of Architecture degree, New York Institute of Technology 2019, graduated with honors
Professional Background: As a student, and before joining us at Aufgang Architects, Mark was employed at an engineering company where he shadowed well-established engineers. Mark’s experience in the world of construction began when he was in high school, and he has developed skills in many different facets of construction.
Position: Mark’s position includes production of construction documents, collaborating with consultants in the construction administration phase, and handling the day-to-day needs of an active project.
Personal Life: Mark is actively pursuing a license in Architecture. He also considers himself an avid DIYer.
Sean Christian Robinson
Sean Christian Robinson
Job Captain
Architecture
Year Joined: 1998
Education and Certifications:
- Attended: Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 1988-1991
- Degree in architecture, Orange County Community College 1998
Professional Background: Chris’ lifelong passion for architecture and building comes from a childhood spent growing up among sawdust and blueprints as the son of a cabinet maker. After graduating high school, he spent 8 years serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, where he learned the value of discipline, precision, reliability and pride in a job well done that he brings to everything he does. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, he began working alongside his father in the cabinetry business.
Position: Shortly after college graduation, he joined Aufgang Architects and has worked diligently over the years. Chris is responsible for the creation of working documents, coordinating consultant documents, notarizing our important paperwork, and additionally does graphic design for our various ads and brochures. He takes great pride and satisfaction in seeing the projects he’s developed begin as drawings done on CAD software, end up coming to life as fully constructed buildings.
Personal Life: Outside of work, Chris is an avid Formula 1 fan and is also actively involved with the Marine Corps League, a group of retired Marines who volunteer in the community to help better the lives of many children & veterans. He’s also been known to enjoy the pleasure of dark humor, good cognac, and a decent cigar.